Destructive size definition table

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Definition

Determine the destructive potential of the avalanche(s) resulting from a specific Avalanche Character within a defined location.


Destructive Size Avalanche destructive potential
(definition)
Typical
mass
Typical
impact pressure
Typical
path length
1 Relatively harmless to people. <10 t 1 kPa 10 m
2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person. 102 t 10 kPa 100 m
3 Could bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a wood frame house, or break a few trees. 103 t 100 kPa 1000 m
4 Could destroy a railway car, large truck, several buildings, or a forest area of approximately 4 hectares. 104 t 500 kPa 2000 m
5 Largest snow avalanche known. Could destroy a village or a forest area of approximately 40 hectares. 105 t 1000 kPa 3000 m


Source: Statham, G., Haegeli, P., Birkeland, K. W., Greene, E., Israelson, C., Tremper, B., et al. (2010). A conceptual model of avalanche hazard. Paper presented at the International Snow Science Workshop, Lake Tahoe, CA.

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